News

An immersive Leonardo da Vinci exhibition is touring Australia’s capital – and it’s remarkable

Canberra has scored an exclusive season of ‘Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius’

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius exhibition
Photograph: Supplied | 'Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius'
Advertising

Five centuries after his death, Leonardo da Vinci is still celebrated as one of the most brilliant, versatile and influential minds of all time. The Italian artist, engineer, scientist and philosopher created works that many Aussies have never have the chance to see in person – until now.

One of the world’s most celebrated immersive exhibitions, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, has arrived in Canberra for a super-exclusive season. After debuting in Melbourne in 2024, the capital becomes the second Australian city to host this remarkable exhibition, featuring masterpieces like the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. Projected across the Federation Centenary Fountain precinct adjacent to Parkes Place lawns, these sky-high projections bring da Vinci’s breathtaking Renaissance paintings to life – offering an experience far more accessible than a trip to the Louvre. 

Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius exhibition
Photograph: Supplied | 'Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius'

Beyond his intricate works of art, the exhibition also celebrates da Vinci’s genius as an inventor with ideas far ahead of his time. You can marvel at full-scale recreations of groundbreaking inventions from his notebooks, alongside original pages of his sketches and writings refracted through light, scale and cutting-edge technology.

Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius has debuted in Canberra as part of Enlighten Festival, the city’s biggest celebration of art, light and ideas. This immersive exhibition runs for a limited season, with daily sessions from 10am to 8pm until March 22. Tickets start at $55 for adults and $35 for children (plus booking fees), available to book here.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

RECOMMENDED:

All the best things to do in Canberra

Canberra has unveiled the $28-million design for its next major cultural landmark

Latest news
    Advertising